Federal health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states as a source of a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic gastrointestinal illness. As of mid-July 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a warning to consumers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia to avoid consuming shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in those states.
According to the FDA, the investigation identified a single supplier of the lettuce from Mexico. Taco Bell has committed to stopping the use of any lettuce from the supplier identified by the federal investigation. Officials noted that not all Taco Bell locations within the five affected states received the implicated product, and the list of states included in the advisory may expand as the investigation continues.
A Growing Nationwide Surge
The outbreak of cyclosporiasis, which is caused by the parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*, has reached significant proportions across the United States. While the CDC had recorded 145 cases across 17 states as of June 16, subsequent reports indicate a dramatic escalation. By mid-July, nationwide reports reached nearly 7,000 cases, including approximately 1,650 confirmed infections and roughly 5,100 potential cases.
The impact has been particularly severe in the Midwest. Michigan has reported more than 4,000 cases, marking the largest outbreak in the state’s history. In Ohio, the state health department reported 1,192 cases across 70 counties as of July 16, with 86 hospitalizations. This represents a sharp increase from the 364 cases reported in the state just one week earlier. Alaska has also reported five cases, though state officials noted it is unclear if those are tied to the larger national outbreak.
For more on this story, see Taylor Farms Linked to Cyclosporiasis Outbreak.
Understanding Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is a seasonal gastrointestinal illness that typically occurs in the U.S. between May and August. It is transmitted when a person consumes food or water contaminated with human feces containing the parasite. The primary symptom is watery diarrhea, which is often described as “frequent” and “explosive.” Other symptoms include:
* Abdominal cramps
* Nausea and vomiting
* Fatigue
* Loss of appetite
* Low-grade fever
The CDC reports that the time between ingestion and the onset of symptoms is typically about a week, though it can range from two days to two weeks. While the illness is generally not life-threatening and most people recover on their own, symptoms can linger for several weeks or even months. Treatment typically involves antibiotics.
This follows our earlier report, Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Spans 34 US States.
Prevention and Risk Mitigation
Health officials emphasize that fresh produce remains an important part of a healthy diet and are not recommending that consumers stop eating fruits and vegetables. However, because *Cyclospora* oocysts can cling tightly to produce and are resistant to routine chemical disinfection, caution is advised. Experts recommend the following protective measures:
* Avoid Pre-washed/Bagged Mixes: These are considered high-risk because produce from multiple farms is processed together, which can spread contamination across larger batches.
* Prioritize Whole Produce: Consumers are advised to purchase whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed or bagged versions. As the investigation continues, the FDA is working with the identified supplier to determine if potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market in other regions.
Read also: Hamilton County Reports Additional Cyclospora Cases Amid Multistate Outbreak.
Worth a look